The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) and University of Windsor want to know how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected your daily life.
The pair has teamed up with the University of Montreal for the COHESION study — a long-term study being conducted across Canada with a goal of understanding how the pandemic is impacting daily activities, social interactions, and mental health.
Ramsey D'Souza is the Manager of Epidemiology and Evaluation at the health unit and says this is uncharted territory for researchers.
"We know that the physical distancing measures and widespread closures are necessary to limit the spread of COVID, “ he says. “But there are also some important consequences of these measures on individuals, households and communities. It was essential for us to understand how we, as a society, are currently coping and want to understand how this evolves over time and across communities."
D’Souza says the study will continue after the pandemic as well.
"This study will be going on for six months after the pandemic has ended,” he adds. “We want to be able to see what the impacts are over time and how public health can make real time, evidence based decisions to support our residents and our communities."
According to D’Souza, the findings will help with future improvements.
"We really want to understand what the physical, mental and social health and well being are of our residents,” he says. “What we want to know is how can we use the results to develop local programs and initiatives that will support individuals and our residents as well."
You must be 15 or older to participate in the study and those who take part will download a research app that collects information on mobility, physical activity levels, and social contacts.
— With files from AM800's Patty Handysides